Ortega River at Stinson Park

Protected from the wind and waves of the St. Johns, the Ortega River at Stinson Park is the ideal setting for a private outing or paddling lesson. With the marina as a backdrop, this sheltered river is perfect for an afternoon outing or a sunset paddle. Located adjacent to the Ortega River Bridge in the Lakeside Park neighborhood, Stinson Park features picnic tables, walking paths and playground equipment for the kids — making it the perfect place for a quiet outing within minutes of downtown Jacksonville.

The scenic and sheltered put-in at Stinson Park allows for easy launching for small groups of paddlers. The calm harbor just inside the Ortega River Bridge is the perfect place to get comfortable in your kayak; and the Ortega River is a great place for spotting local wildlife. Dolphins and osprey are common sights as paddlers enjoy a relaxing paddle just off the St. Johns River. For an unobstructed view of the city skyline, just slip under the Ortega River Bridge to where the Ortega and Big Fishwier Creek empty into the St. Johns River.

Due to the limited parking and the difficulty involved with getting large kayak trailers in and out of Stinson Park, group size is limited for this trip. If you have a larger group, you may wish to consider one of our other local trips with better access.

To get to the put-in at Stinson Park, just take U.S. Hwy 17 / Roosevelt Boulevard to San Juan Avenue and head east on San Juan Avenue until you reach Stinson Park — on the right just before the Ortega River Bridge.